SWAC suspends officiating crew for one game for poor clock management

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has suspended an officiating crew for failing to manage the clock properly in the closing seconds of regulation during the Alabama A&M-Southern game.

The SWAC announced the one-game suspension on Thursday. Commissioner Duer Sharp says a review ''determined the officials fell short of the high standards in which SWAC contests should be officiated.''

Southern won the double-overtime game 20-17.

Officials initially let the clock run out after Southern was called for intentional grounding. They restored time after realizing Southern had a timeout remaining, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate.

Matthew Hill kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime.

The game had been delayed for at least 90 minutes by lightning with 3:27 left. Southern was leading 14-10.